US Open Announces Historic $108M Purse, Full Prize Money Breakdown Revealed for Tennis Grand Slam

There is going to be a record-setting amount of money on the line for the 2026 U.S. Open tennis tournament.

As Lev Akabas of Sportico relayed Thursday, the prize money for the Grand Slam event is up 20 percent from last year's edition. The 2025 total was already a record-setting one, and the 2026 tournament will feature even more at stake with a $108 million total purse and $5.5 million for the singles winners.

Even the first-round losers will take home $140,000.

The Associated Press provided a further breakdown, noting quarterfinalists will make $780,000, semifinalists will make $1.45 million and runners-up will make $2.8 million.

It represents a head-turning 44 percent jump since 2024.

Thursday's announcement comes as the financials of the tennis world were under something of a spotlight. Matthew Futterman of The Athletic reported such an increase in the purse "has likely staved off the player protests over remuneration that took place at this year's editions of the French Open and Wimbledon."

Futterman noted the U.S. Tennis Association committed to three requests from the players of welfare contributions, a Grand Slam player council and prize-money tied to revenues.

All four Grand Slams also announced the creation of the player council.

"Having a seat at the table with the Grand Slams is something we have wanted for some time, so I'm really pleased to see this council come together," Ben Shelton said. "It gives us, as players, a real opportunity to have a voice, contribute to the conversation and help shape the tournaments beyond what happens on the court."

Players will have the ability to raise compensation concerns through the council.

"This is a significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes as the U.S. Open continues to be the best economic opportunity for players and the most valuable platform in tennis for players, fans and partners," USTA leader Craig Tiley said. "We are proud to deliver record-setting prize money and expanded player benefits as well as providing a new platform to work together with players."

This year's U.S. Open starts on Sunday, Aug. 23 and runs through the men's single final on Sunday, Sept. 13. 

Carlos Alcaraz is the reigning champion on the men's side and took home the coveted trophy in two of the last four years. Aryna Sabalenka is the back-to-back champion on the women's side and also reached the 2023 final, where she lost to Coco Gauff.

One of the biggest questions for this year's tournament is whether Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will play and be effective after facing each other in last year's final.

They each withdrew from this month's Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati with injury concerns, and there remains uncertainty if they will both be able to take the court in New York.